September 2018 Messenger

September 2018 Volume 29, No. 5 nationalchurch.org

the

messenger

____________________________

September 23, 2018

9:00 & 11:00 AM Metropolitan Memorial campus Bible Presentation Sunday Rev. Janet Craswell, preacher 11:00 AM Wesley campus Christopher Simon, preacher

September 30, 2018

9:00 & 11:00 AM Metropolitan Memorial campus Rev. Frances Stewart, preacher

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and its partners are responding to Hurricane Florence in the United States and Super Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong) in the Philippines. Please join them in prayer for the areas affected and consider a gift to UMCOR Disaster Response. As the impact of these storms is assessed, we will receive timely updates and learn of additional ways in which we can provide assistance.

11:00 AM Wesley campus Homecoming Sunday Christopher Simon, preacher All are welcome to Wesley’s picnic on the lawn! There will be games and activities for the children, and lots of good food! Worship with us at 11:00 AM, and the picnic will follow the service at 12:30 PM. Please join us!

Hurricane Florence

October Worship Series at the Metropolitan Memorial campus October 2-28, 2018:

The South Carolina and North Carolina conferences have both requested emergency grants, which UMCOR awarded. These grants allow for the immediate use of funds for response after the storm. Many communities, both inland and on the coast, are inaccessible due to high waters. We anticipate access to these communities by the end of this week so that we may assess needs.

Disobedience Courage Triumphs Challenge

Typhoon Mangkhut

EXODUS

As September 17, UMCOR has reported that conferences are as prepared as possible to respond to the damage caused by Hurricane Florence. However, they do ask that those wishing to assist to please not self-deploy or donate unsolicited items.

Cleaning Kits (see further information about the cleaning kits on the next page), Tool Trailers, and other supplies are strategically placed throughout the region. Moreover, experienced Early Response Teams (ERTs) and Disaster Response Coordinators (DRCs) are prepared to assist immediately when conditions permit. These teams bring supplies into affected areas, beginning cleanup and assessment for long-term assistance.

Since 2017, UMCOR has trained and funded Disaster Management teams in order to empower communities to proactively alleviate suffering caused by the effects of disasters. This work allows for communities' advance awareness and preparedness.

Continued on next page

At a national level, this initiative ensures that the maximum number of people are prepared for a storm’s impact. Moreover, the Manilla, Davao and Baguio Episcopal Area offices continue to distribute daily weather advisories to community leaders.

UMCOR’s partners in the Philipines are hard at work assessing damage and anticipating community needs.

Cleaning Kit Materials •

• • • • • • •

One five-gallon round bucket with re-sealable lid (14.35” h x 12.19” w x 12.19” d) o No screw lids o May be used, but must be free from all residual product o Advertisements on the outside acceptable One 32-64 oz. bottle liquid laundry detergent One 16-40 oz. bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner o No spray cleaners One 16-34 oz. bottle dish soap One 4-8 oz. pump spray air freshner (three solid, or three gel freshners also acceptable) One 6-14 oz. pump spray insect repellent (pack of 10-20 wipes also acceptable) o Pump spray bottles must have protective covers One scrub brush o With or without handle 18 re-useable cleaning wipes

o o •

No terrycloth, microfiber or paper towels Remove from packaging

Five scouring pads sponges o No stainless-steel pads with soap in them Remove from packaging 36-50 clothespins

o

• • •

Help Purchase Supplies If you prefer to donate toward the purchase of supplies instead of buying and shipping them, give online to: Material Resources, UMCOR Advance #901440 Sending Assembled Kits You can send relief supply kits to: UMCOR Sager Brown Depot P. O. Box 850 131 Sager Brown Road Baldwin, LA 70514-0850 Contact for Help: 1-800-814-8765

One 50-100 ft. clothesline (cotton or plastic line) 24 roll of heavy-duty trash bags (33-45 gallon sizes)

•

o Remove from packaging Five N95 particulate respirator dust masks (1-3 mm thickness)

•

o No surgical masks Two pairs kitchen gloves o o

•

Durable for multiple uses Remove from packaging

One pair work gloves o Cotton with leather palm or all leather

Assembly Directions • • • • •

Place all liquid items in the bucket first.

Place remaining items in the bucket fitting them around and between the liquid items.

Scouring pads and trash bags can be separated in order to fit all of the items in the bucket.

Clothes pins may also be placed in a small re-sealable bag.

Secure the lid on the filled bucket.

Important Notes • • • •

All items must be new with the exception of the bucket and lid.

All cleaning agents must be liquid form. No powders are accepted.

If items have been omitted, label bucket. Please indicate which items are missing.

Sponges have been removed from the list of supplies due to the challenge of locating the noncellulose sponges that prevent mildew. Non-cellulose sponges will be added to each bucket upon arrival at the affiliate warehouse.

• •

Do not include any personal notes, money or additional material in the kits.

Contents of kits or the containers of kits should not be imprinted with cartoon characters, advertisements, religious, patriotic, military or camouflage symbols.

For more information, or to donate to UMCOR directly, go to:

www.umcor.org, and click on the “current disaster response” box.

Packing & Shipping Instructions • • • •

Packed buckets cannot exceed 70 pounds.

Complete two packing lists, one for your records and one for the shipping box.

Place the shipping label/packing list on the outside of the box.

Please send a check to Sager Brown for the total number of buckets times $3 per bucket for the cost of sponges and shipping. One check may be written for the entire donation.

Notes from the Metropolitan Nursery School We have so looked forward to welcoming back our Nursery School families and having children grace our classrooms for their first day of school. This is always such an exciting time of year for schools and families, particularly Nursery School, where our youngest learners come to grow. This excitement will be heard in the joyful sounds of laughing and playing: the ubiquitous soundtrack of nursery school life.

During our first few weeks, however, you may also see and hear the excitement in the form of tears and crying as some of our students (and perhaps a parent or two) may find saying good-bye to loved-ones a difficult task. To ensure the smoothest entry into the school-year we want to make sure families and children are greeted by warm and trusted adults and are surrounded by friends.

If you see a new family in the building or visiting the playground, please consider introducing yourself and welcoming them to our Nursery School and NUMC family. Warm introductions and welcomes are the first steps in building trust and starting friendships. The children in our care will observe and model the comfort and hospitality of the adults around them and learn to trust that we are a safe and fun space to play.

Once our students get to know their new classes, and our families get to spend time together during our first few weeks, they will soon find themselves surrounded by friends.

Kristen Maxson Director Metropolitan Nursery School

CARING Prayer Shawl Ministry Third Sunday of each month at 12:15 PM in Metropolitan Memorial’s Parlor Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are prayed into each stitch. Come and enjoy a time of fellowship, ministry, and fun! If you are interested in joining, please contact Barbara Tate, at bdtate1932@gmail.com.

The Stephen Ministry: Christ Caring for People Through People For many years, NUMC has been blessed with an active Stephen Ministry: lay-people from our church who have been trained to provide one-on-one, Christ-centered and confidential care for those who are hurting or in crisis.

To learn more about a confidential and caring relationship with a trained Stephen Minister, or about joining the Stephen Ministry team, contact Rev. Frances Stewart at (202) 363-4900, or by email at fstewart@nationalchurch.org; or Rob Hartmann at (301) 9286988, or by email at rhartmann6948@gmail.com.

Care Notes for Someone on the Prayer List Have you ever wished you could jot a note to someone on NUMC’s Prayer List while you were thinking about it right there and then, so you wouldn’t forget before you got home? The Caring Ministry has a solution: in the Chapel with the memorial candles you will find a basket of note cards for your use, just follow the instructions in the basket: Care Card Instruction If you would like to show support, care, or celebrate someone on the NUMC’s Prayer list, please follow these instructions: • Take a care card from the basket, write your personal message, sign the note, put the card into the envelope, and seal it.

• Write the name of the desired recipient on the outside of the envelope, leaving room for the address.

• Return to the basket Your card will be picked up, addressed, and mailed on your behalf. The Caring Ministry Team thanks you for your caring note.

LEARNING SUNDAY MORNINGS Children’s Choirs

At the Metropolitan Memorial Campus: 9:20-10:00 AM (choir begins after the children’s message in the 9:00 AM worship service) • Cherub Choir: ages 4 – 1st grade, Room 204 • Morningstar Choir: 2nd – 5th grades, Choir Room

Youth Music Ensemble

11:00 AM on Sundays in Metropolitan Memorial’s Choir Room The Children and Youth Choir at the Wesley Campus rehearses following the 11:00 AM worship service.

Children’s Sunday School At the Metropolitan Memorial Campus: 10:0510:55 AM We have four Godly Play classrooms for children preschool through 4th grade: Little Wonders – PreK. Room 101: Recommended for 3 and 4-year olds. 5-year olds who are not yet in formal kindergarten will also enjoy Little Wonders.

Godly Players – K-1st grade.

Room 200 Joyful Spirits – 2nd-3rd grade.

Room 202

Bible Explorers -- 4th grade. Room 203 Young Disciples – 5th grade. Room 201 Young Disciples use the United Methodist Deep Blue curriculum that prepares them to apply their faith to everyday life challenges.

Youth Sunday School

At the Metropolitan Memorial Campus, 10:05-10:55 AM Middle School Sunday school meets in Room 204 with the Bible-in-Life curriculum, which provides a variety of activities for engaging in the scriptures.

High School Sunday school meets in Room 206 to share what is going on in their lives and discuss current events in their world, as well as the day’s sermon.

Adult Sunday School At the Metropolitan Memorial Campus, 10:05-10:55 AM In the Biblical Sense In Metropolitan Memorial’s Library, at 10:00 AM Where do you turn in the Bible for hope? inspiration? comfort? guidance? or wisdom? This Fall, we will explore a number of familiar (and perhaps not so familiar) passages from the Bible as we invite you to join us as we take another look at lessons from the GOSPELS, the letters of PAUL, and the books of PROVERBS and ECCLESIASTES. Visitors are encouraged to join us. For more information, contact Bob Olson at robob675@gmail.com.

Questions of Faith

In Metropolitan Memorial’s Conference Room, at 10:00 AM This group addresses issues of personal faith development and current trends in Christian thought, as well as social and ethical issues in light of the Christian faith. This Fall we will be discussing “Thinking About Religion and Violence.” For more information, contact Diane Moody at Billanddianemoody@comcast.net.

Science and Religion

In Metropolitan Memorial’s Parlor, at 10:00 AM This class involves vigorous dialogue on matters of faith and contemporary thought. For more information, contact Maynard Moore at emaynard8@yahoo.com.

Inspired Parenting

In Metropolitan Memorial’s Great Hall, at 10:20 AM Open to parents with children of all ages, this class is a safe space to share the week's parenting challenges and joys. It is a great place to find advice, feel affirmed, and become connected with other parents in our church community.

We meet at a corner table during coffee hour, and everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Elizabeth Burks at elizabeth.burks@gmail.com

SUNDAY EVENINGS

WEDNESDAYS

Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF)

Community Dinner In Metropolitan Memorial’s Vestry, 6:00-7:00 PM $8 per person, students pay what you can Classes Locations to be announced each Wednesday evening, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

In Metropolitan Memorial’s Room 206, 5:30 – 7:00 PM Meets every other week beginning September 23 Our Sunday evening youth program involves a meal, a game, and Bible study. This is a fun, loosely structured time for young people to get to know each other and learn about God in a relaxed environment.

MONDAYS

Food for Thought

September 12 and 26: October 3, 10, 17, 24: November 7 and 14:

Faith and Archaeology The Exodus in Film (a.k.a. Moses Movies!)

Vietnam Then and Now: Reflections on Military Service and Ministry with Rev. Mike Chamberlain

Amending through Faith

Wednesdays, beginning September 26, 7:00 – 8:30 PM In Metropolitan Memorial’s Fireplace Room Domestic Violence Prevention by men, for men. This eight-week course begins September 26. Register at nationalchurch.org/amendtogether.

For more information, contact class leaders, Patrick Landau, at plandau@nationalchurch.org, or Christopher Simon, at csimon@nationalchurch.org.

THURSDAYS Metropolitan Book Club Third Monday of each month (next meeting: October 22) In Metropolitan Memorial’s Parlor, at 7:30 PM All readers are invited for a discussion of current fiction and non-fiction. The next selection up for discussion is Educated, by Tara Westover, a memoir about a girl in Idaho who wasn’t allowed to attend school and eventually earned a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. For more information, please contact Suzanne Clewell at reader1021@aol.com, or Joan Topalian at topajoan62045@gmail.com.

Bible Study: Invitation to the Old Testament

In Metropolitan Memorial’s Christie Room, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM September 27 – November 15 Led by Rev. Janet Craswell; for more information or to register, go to: www.nationalchurch.org/biblestudy.

Wesley Campus Study

In the Wesley Campus’ Art Room, 7:30-8:30 PM September 20 – November 8: Christ on the Psych Ward: The Church, the Bible, and Mental Health

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS Book Talk and Signing:

The Certainty of Uncertainty, Rev. Mark Schaefer Sunday, October 14, at 10:00 AM In Metropolitan Memorial’s Vestry

PRAISING

Handbell Ringer Needed!

Did you play an instrument in school, or study piano and develop music reading skills? If so, you may enjoy ringing in our bell choir! Rehearsals are Sundays, 4:00-6:00 PM, beginning September 16. We are a fun & forgiving intergenerational group! Contact Susan Staines at staines@rcn.com.

Tyler Rusch Help the Homeless Walk Sunday, October 21, two sessions: 10:00 AM and Noon At Metropolitan Memorial campus & neighborhood

NUMC hosts the annual Help the Homeless Walk which, over the years, has raised more than $300,000 to support our transitional housing ministries.

There will be two start times: 10:00 AM and Noon so you can walk after any of NUMC’s worship services. The registration fee is $25 for adults and $15 for people under 25 years of age. Registration will be on the Newark Street side of Metropolitan Memorial, outside the office foyer.

SERVING The Concert Across America:

Silence the Violence Concert

Saturday, September 29 at 7:30 PM In Metropolitan Memorial’s Sanctuary This year’s concert benefits The TraRon Center, which helps those affected by gun violence, and features: Augmented Eight, Children’s Chorus of Washington, members of Capitol Hill Chorale, NUMC’s Men’s Ensemble, Voices In Praise, and Boy and Girl Choristers of Washington National Cathedral Choir. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit www.nationalchurch.org/con certs.

Grate Patrol Grate Patrol continues next Sunday and Monday, September 23 and 24. We will make sandwiches in the Vestry at 10:00 AM on Sunday, September 23, and the van used to deliver the food will depart from St. Luke's Mission Center on Monday the 24th at 6:45 PM. All are welcome to help make the sandwiches; there is no need to sign up. To volunteer on the van, please sign up by going to signupgenius.com and search for service@nationalchurch.org.

Looking ahead, we have a Grate Patrol van delivery on Sunday, October 7; volunteers are asked to arrive at St. Luke's at 5:30 PM. In addition, we will make sandwiches on Sunday, October 28th and the van will leave from St. Luke's on Monday, October 29, at 6:45 PM. Find all the Grate Patrol dates through the end of the year by going to signupgenius.com and search for service@nationalchurch.org.

The Way Forward The issues before our denomination – concerning human sexuality – are serious, so we will be offering information sessions over the next several months to keep you informed. We recommend that you also follow the work of the denomination at UM Insight, at https://um-insight.net, an online compendium of news and views from progressive perspectives.

Members of NUMC are encouraged to be in prayer for the future of the denomination, and to consider attending General Conference 2019 as volunteers or observers.

If you are interested in attending the conference in St. Louis, or if you can help think of ways to support those who might wish to go, please contact Ellen Bachman at ellenbachman@comcast.net, or Kerm Towler at flautobasso@yahoo.com.

NUMC ARTS COUNCIL Fall Concert: U.S. Navy Band Brass Quintet Sunday, September 30, at 3:00 pm In Metropolitan Memorial’s Sanctuary Art Exhibit Opening & Reception Exploration of Beauty and Light: Impressionistic Oil Paintings

by Janet Raesly Sunday, September 30, at 4:30 PM In Metropolitan Memorial’s Great Hall Third Annual Fall Square Dance Friday, October 19, 7:00 – 9:00 PM In Metropolitan Memorial’s Vestry

JAZZ AT WESLEY Verny Varela & Friends Saturday, September 22, 6:00 – 9:00 PM In the Wesley Campus’ Fellowship Hall (5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW) Tickets: $10, general admission entry; $7 for seniors; $5 for students; and Free for 12 and under.

Thanks from the Carlos Rosario School: Dear National United Methodist Church, I am writing to thank you for your generous Scholarship Donation. I was thrilled to learn of my selection for this honor and I am deeply appreciative of your support. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for making it possible.

I plan to become a Nurse. I will use the scholarship by continuing my degree program at the University of the District of Columbia. After I complete my program, I hope to work as a practitioner nurse at the biggest hospital in the United States! The financial assistance you provided will be a great help to me in paying my educational expenses and it will allow me to concentrate more of my time for studying. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to my dream.

Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me. I hope to stay in contact with you and I will provide you with pictures and updates during my educational journey.

Thanks again,

Flore Lely Mouang

Support Our Campus Ministry Since 2008, NUMC has been engaged in ministry across Nebraska Avenue with students at American University. A volunteer team works in cooperation with the Methodist Chaplaincy to extend hospitality to AU students.

Participate in Monthly Dinners Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve monthly dinners following student worship at Kay Spiritual Life Center on campus at AU. Even if you can only volunteer for one dinner a year, our help is greatly appreciated!

Adopt-a-Student Students are often far from home and tired of dining hall food. Adopting a student is a wonderful way to support them away from home. Have a student over for a homecooked meal and get to know some of our amazingly insightful and intelligent neighbors across Nebraska Avenue.

Donate A portion of tithes and offerings to NUMC goes to supporting campus ministry efforts including staffing, curriculum, supplies, and more. Other donations, like food for the lounge or monthly meals is always needed. For more information on what and how to donate, contact campusministry@nationalc hurch.org.

There is always a need for more volunteers, contact campusministry@nationalc hurch.org to find out how you can help.

National United Methodist Church 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW | Washington, DC 20016 202.363.4900

NUMC consists of three campuses: 1: Metropolitan Memorial Campus 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 Location of Metro House Shelter

2: Wesley Campus

5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20015

3: St. Luke’s Mission Center

3655 Calvert Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 Location of St. Luke’s House Shelter, Campus Kitchen of DC, and Shalom Place Retreat Center

For a complete listing of our ministerial and administrative staff, please visit our web site:

www.nationalchurch.org

Watch for the next issue to be released on October 12th to learn about new worship series, and plans for the upcoming holidays!

Deadline for submission of articles or photos is Wednesday, October 3.

2018 Charge Conference Our annual Charge Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, October 16, 2018, 7:00 - 10:00 PM, at the Metropolitan Memorial campus of National United Methodist Church. All members are invited to participate in this annual meeting where the ministers’ 2019 compensation is set, leaders recommended by the Nominations Committee are elected, and candidates for ordained ministry are approved. Our Charge Conference will be held along with the congregations of Brighter Day, Dumbarton, and Mt. Zion UMC.